Vinnie Livoti, director of foodservices at Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina, in Columbia, knows hte importance of exploring all options. Livoti has been trying to figure out a way to reduce waste in an area that isn't equipped to handle composting. Livoti talks about his efforts to find another way to reduce waste that is feasible in his area.
At Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina, in Columbia, Vinnie Livoti, director of foodservices, is seeking change. Livoti is in the process of examining what his operation—he serves about 5,000 people per day— can do to reduce waste. Livoti speaks about the importance of exploring all options for waste disposal.
“We’re looking at biodegradable paper products to replace our Styrofoam containers. The cost compared to what we’re paying now is about 20% to 30% more expensive. More than the cost, you want to make sure those materials make it to a compost pile not a landfill. The problem we ran into was there is not a waste management company in our area that could provide that service. What we’re looking at now is a program where you continue to use Styrofoam, but a company puts a compactor on site, then picks up the Styrofoam and takes it to be recycled into other plastic products. So there are other options, if biodegradable isn’t available in your area. We haven’t settled on that idea yet, but the advice I have to give is be sure to look at the changes from all angles. It’s not just about what happens in your cafeteria. You have to look at where it’s going to end up to make sure it’s being disposed of properly.”